In Detroit, Chad Livengood noted Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert is "starting a podcast called 'The Speed of the Game' that will focus on entrepreneurship, sports, Detroit and apparently spotlight some of his own companies and investments." The first episode featuring Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban will be available later this month. Gilbert: "We'll keep it short, we'll keep it fun, we'll keep it entertaining" (CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS, 3/4 issue).
READY FOR SHOWTIME: RING TV's Mike Coppinger cited sources as saying that Deontay Wilder will defend his WBC heavyweight title May 18 at Barclays Center in a fight "slated to be aired on Showtime." Sources said that Wilder received "multi-fight offers from both Top Rank and Matchroom (to fight on DAZN), but he’s rebuffed those deals at the moment." No opponent was named, but Dominic Breazeale is the "front-runner" (RINGTV.com, 3/3).
CHAMPION'S LEAGUE: ESPN's Jon Champion "began a new era of his broadcasting career" this weekend when he became the net's lead MLS voice after "decades as a globally-known voice" of the EPL. He said, "After 35 years of doing top-level football in the U.K., it’s just nice to be facing a new challenge." Champion added, "This has been mooted for about four or five years, after I did the World Cup in 2014 for ESPN. ... This year was the first year when it really was right" (PHILLY.com, 3/5).
